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Washington's first poet laureate to read at Vashon Winery Sept. 6

Samuel Green, Washington state’s first poet laureate, will read poetry at Vashon Winery at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, as the final installation of the winery’s 2008 summer concert series.

Green will read from his own poetry and that of others in the intimacy of the winery, surrounded by barrels of wine.

The culmination of a multi-year effort, the establishment of a state poet laureate was led by two state representatives, passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Christine Gregoire in April 2007. Green will serve his term through 2009.

Green currently teaches at Seattle University and for many years has acted as editor, publisher and printer of poetry books for Brooding House Press in partnership with his wife Sally.

A native of Washington, Green is a resident of remote Waldron Island in San Juan County. Having lived there, “his words are like the green moss of ancient trees talking to us,” event organizers said.

“He is a wonderful poet,” said Kris Tucker, the executive director of the Washington State Arts Commission. “Sam’s passion for poetry is contagious, and he will share his enthusiasm with people across the state.”

Green has published more than 10 volumes of poetry, including “Vertebrae: Poems 1978-1994” (EWU Press), and “The Grace of Necessity” (Carnegie Mellon University Press, 2008).

Reservations for the poetry reading are required (only 40 tickets will be sold), and tickets are $20, which include a complimentary glass of wine.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call Vashon Winery at 567-0055 or e-mail vashonwinery@yahoo.com.

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